Remote control device for an electronic apparatus in particular for performing a physical exercise

ABSTRACT

A remote control for electronic apparatus, in particular for performing a physical exercise, so as to monitor an operation parameter of the apparatus through a control signal received by a receiver associated with the apparatus. 
     The device comprises a control signal emitter, control means connected to the emitter so as to transmit to the receiver the control signal corresponding to a value of the operation parameter, an at least partially flexible support with a portion for inserting a support part of the hand. 
     The control means are integrated with the support along the insertion portion and the emitter is integrated with the support at a level of this insertion portion, so that these control means are disposed along the support part of the hand and can be actuated by another part of the hand termed the actuator part.

The object of the present invention is a remote control device of electronic apparatus. It is applied particularly in the area of electronic equipment for practising physical exercise, commonly known as fitness equipment.

In general, electronic fitness equipment has a module or an electronic command centre for controlling one or more operating parameters of the equipment, often associated with the difficulty of the exercise and/or the physical effort necessary for doing the exercise. In the case of equipment of rowing type, this can be for example the resistance parameter of the oars. In the case of equipment of “stepper” type, this can be for example the gradient parameter.

The electronic command centre, or perhaps the central console, generally has control buttons especially for modifying the value of one or more of the operating parameters of the equipment.

It is understood that, in some cases, the user must interrupt his exercise to be able to actuate these control buttons. Even if the user can sometimes continue the exercise while actuating these buttons, the actioning of these buttons requires one or more gestures which do not contribute to practising the exercise itself. These gestures accordingly disrupt practice.

This is why it is necessary to have offset control means allowing the user to press on the operating parameters of the equipment without having to either interrupt the exercise or disturb it.

In this respect, devices of remote selector type are known, wireless or not, which avoid the user having to press on control buttons located in or near a central console.

However, such devices still have disadvantages. In fact, the user is obliged either to carry the device, in a pocket for example, or keep the device in hand permanently, or even keep the device nearby, on the floor for example, or hook it onto equipment when the equipment allows this.

In the first and the third cases, the user is thus obliged to grip the remote control to press on the parameters, which forcibly disrupts exercise practice, above all when the remote control is not placed within reach.

In the second case, it is understood that the fact of keeping the remote control permanently in hand is barely or even not at all practicable, especially with equipments of rowing type, for example. Here too, practice of the exercise is accordingly disrupted, sometimes to a substantial degree.

From the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,070 a wireless remote control device is also known, the advantage of which is that the classic remote selector is combined with one or more weights. Since carrying weights is part of the exercise, the user is obliged to keep the remote control in hand so that he does not have to grasp the remote control to modify the parameters of the exercise. A loop-type element effectively allows the user to loosen the grip on the weight to actuate the buttons of the remote control without losing the device. In its weight-carrying component exercise is disturbed, despite all efforts.

Also, it is understood that this device does not resolve the problems mentioned hereinabove relative to interruption or disturbance of exercise in the case of other electronic fitness equipment such as a rower, for example.

Also, this device cannot be miniaturised, especially due to the presence of weights.

Devices such as that described in the document US 2005/0052412 are likewise known. In this document, the device comprises a transmitter, control means connected to the transmitter and an insertion support of part of the hand of the user. The control means are integrated into the support and can be actuated by some other part of the hand of the user.

The transmitter is worn at the wrist, the wrist not being inserted into the insertion support. It is thus necessary to ensure a bond between the control means integrated into the support and this transmitter, by connection means.

This device does not resolve the problems mentioned hereinabove relative to disturbing exercise, to the extent where it is the entire hand plus wrist which carry the device.

Also, the support and the transmitter are two distinct components not integrated on the same element, which makes the assembly fragile, especially at the level of the connection between the transmitter and the control means.

The attendant problem is thus to propose a device for controlling one or more operating parameters of electronic apparatus, especially for practising physical exercise, which may be fixed on different parts of the body, and which is sufficiently small and light, with a view to disrupting the movements and gestures associated with exercise practice at a minimum.

The object of the invention is thus to provide a solution to the above problem among other problems.

According to a first aspect the invention thus relates to a remote control device of electronic apparatus, especially fitness equipment, for controlling at least one operating parameter of the equipment by means of a control signal received by a receiver linked to the equipment.

The remote control device comprises a transmitter for sending a control signal, control means connected to the transmitter for selectively transmitting to the receiver of the equipment the control signal corresponding to at least one value of the operating parameter in question.

The remote control device likewise comprises an at least partially flexible support, in turn comprising at least one insertion portion of part of the hand of the user termed the support part of the hand of the user.

Characteristically, the control means are integrated into the support along the insertion portion, and the transmitter is integrated into the support at the level of the insertion portion.

In this way, the control means are placed along the support part of the hand of the user, and can be actuated by some other part of the hand of the user termed the actuator part.

Therefore, by simple pressing on the control means, by means of the part of the hand termed the actuator part, the user can press on one or more operating parameters of the equipment, reducing disturbance to exercise practice to a minimum, or even eliminating it.

In fact, with such a device, the movements and gestures associated with actuating the control means remain compatible with exercise practice. Reciprocally, the movements and gestures associated with exercise practice are not disrupted, or only slightly.

Also, integration of the transmitter directly at the level of the insertion portion lightens and simplifies the device, further increasing comfort of use and reducing disturbance from movements and gestures associated with exercise practice, and reduces the fragility of the device.

In fact, the device is carried only by one part of the hand of the user and fully integrates all the necessary components, including the transmitter.

In a first variant embodiment the portion termed insertion portion is an insertion portion of at least one support finger of the user, such that the control means are placed along this support finger of the user, and the control means can be actuated by at least one of the other fingers, or else the palm, of the hand of the user.

The support preferably comprises a base receiving the transmitter, preferably designed to be positioned near the base of the support fingers of the user.

Still more preferably, the base is at least partially rigid.

In combination with one or more of the preceding characteristics, the support optionally has an at least partially rigid return whereof the upper face receives the control means.

Preferably, then, the insertion portion is formed by at least part of the lower face of the return, at least part of the lower face of the base, and by a flexible element allowing insertion of at least one support finger of the user.

This flexible element can be an extensible element which extends from the lower face of the return to the lower face of the base.

Alternatively, this flexible element can extend under the lower face of the base and have at least one lower projection serving as support to at least one of the support fingers of the user.

Optionally, in combination with one or more of the foregoing characteristics concerning the flexible element, this flexible element is made of a material of foam or elastic type.

In another variant embodiment, the base is at least partially flexible and intended to at least partially enclose the base of the hand support of the user, preferably near the wrist.

In yet another variant embodiment optionally in combination with one or more of the above, at least a first part of the control means is integrated into the support along the insertion portion of a first support finger of the user, and at least a second part of these control means is integrated into the support along the insertion portion of a second support finger of the user.

In yet another variant embodiment, still optionally in combination with any one or more of the above, the insertion portions have at least one opening at the level of each articulation of the support fingers, so as to benefit flexion of the support fingers once they are inserted into the insertion portions.

In yet another variant embodiment, still optionally in combination with any one or more of the above, the insertion portions have an opening at their ends, so as to let through the end of the support fingers of the user.

In another variant embodiment, the insertion portion is an insertion portion of the palm of the user, such that the control means are placed in the hollow of the palm of the user and such that these control means can be actuated by at least one of the fingers of the hand of the user.

According to a second aspect the invention likewise relates to electronic apparatus especially for practising physical exercise which comprises a command centre for controlling at least one operating parameter of the equipment, and a receiver for receiving at least one control signal emitted by a transmitter and corresponding to at least one value of the operating parameter of the equipment.

Characteristically, the transmitter is integrated into a remote control device according to the invention and such as shown hereinabove.

In a variant embodiment, the receiver is integrated into or positioned near the command centre.

In another variant embodiment optionally in combination with the preceding one, the equipment comprises a display device for visual checking of receipt of the control signal by the command centre.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly and completely from the following description of the preferred variant embodiments of the device, which are given by way of non-limiting examples and in reference to the following attached diagrams:

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c schematically illustrate a first variant embodiment of the device of the invention,

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b schematically illustrate a second variant embodiment of the device of the invention,

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, schematically illustrate a third variant embodiment of the device of the invention,

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c schematically illustrate a fourth variant embodiment of the device of the invention,

FIGS. 5 a to 5 e schematically illustrate a fifth variant embodiment of the device of the invention.

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c schematically illustrate a first variant embodiment of the device of the invention worn on the hand of the user, seen in two different positions of the hand, in association with particular fitness equipment of “stepper” type.

The remote control device 1 comprises control means 5, constituted, in this example, by a “plus” button and a “minus” button for increasing or decreasing the value of the operating parameter of the electronic apparatus 2.

The device 1 comprises an at least partially flexible support 6, in turn comprising a part 7 termed insertion portion of a support part 9, 10 of the hand of the user.

Support part of the hand of the user means the part which supports the remote control device 1.

In this example, the support part of the hand of the user is constituted by the two fingers 9 and 10.

With respect to the support 6, in the device 1, this is the support of the control means 5. These control means 5 are in fact integrated into the support 6, along the insertion portion 7.

Accordingly, the control means 5 are placed along the support part 9, 10 of the hand of the user, in this case in this example, along the two support fingers 9 and 10. These control means 5 can then be actuated by another part 11 of the hand of the user, termed the actuator part. In this case in this example, it is the thumb 11.

Because the support 6 is at least partially flexible, the user can easily fold the fingers 9, 10, once they are inserted into the insertion portion 7 of the support 6.

To ease flexion, one or more openings 23 can be provided, preferably at the level of the articulations of the support fingers 9 and 10.

The insertion portion 7, in the support 6, exhibits an opening 27 at its end, which allows the ends of the support fingers 9 and 10 to come through this insertion portion 7.

Due especially to the flexibility of the support 6 and the fact that the ends of the fingers 9, 10 remain outside the user retains normal usage of his hands for gripping or touching, at the same time wearing the remote control device 1.

The user can thus practice exercise in normal conditions, and press on the operating parameter controlled by the remote control 1 by a simple gesture of the thumb 11 on one of the buttons of the control means 5.

The device 1 comprises a transmitter to which are connected the control means 5, allowing transmission of the control signal of the operating parameter of the equipment 2. This transmitter is not visible in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b (located on the back of the hand, at the base of the insertion portion 7).

The control signal transmitted by the transmitter 4 is received by a receiver 3 integrated into the command centre 28 of the equipment 2. The receiver 3 can just as well be situated near the command centre 28.

The equipment can comprise a display device such as a screen 29, allowing the user to visually control receipt of the control signal by the command centre 28.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b schematically illustrate a second variant embodiment of the device of the invention worn on the hand of the user, seen in two different positions of the hand.

In this example, the insertion portion 7, in the flexible support 6, is an insertion portion of the thumb 9 of the hand of the user.

Near the end of the thumb 11, along the insertion portion 7, the control means 5 are integrated, which comprise in this example two buttons on which the user can push with one of these other fingers 11, 12.

The insertion portion 7 has an opening at the level of the end joint of the thumb 9, thus facilitating flexion of the thumb 9.

The user can thus actuate one of the buttons of the control means 5, either by flexing one of the other fingers 11, 12 and guiding them towards the tip of the thumb 9, or by flexing the thumb 9 and guiding its tip towards the tip of one of the other fingers 11, 12, or again, and more frequently, by executing a prehensile gesture with the thumb 9 and one of the other fingers 11, 12.

In this example, the support 6 comprises a base 15 receiving a transmitter 4, positioned close to the base of the finger support 9 of the user. The transmitter 4, to which the control means 5 are connected, transmits the control signal of the operating parameter of the apparatus.

In this case, the base 15 is partially flexible and encloses the base of the the hand support of the user, near the wrist.

This base 15 receiving the transmitter 4 is also present in the variant embodiment described relative to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, but not visible in the latter (located on the back of the hand, at the base of the insertion portion 7).

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b schematically illustrate this third variant embodiment of the device of the invention worn on the hand of the user, seen in two different positions of the hand.

This third variant embodiment is similar to the first, but differs from the latter in that the portion termed insertion, in the support, is divided into two distinct parts 7 and 8 which respectively allow insertion of a first support finger 9 and a second support finger 10, leaving these two support fingers 9 and 10 separate from one another.

At the end of the insertion portion 7 of the support finger 9 is placed a first part 13 of the control means. At the end of the insertion portion 8 of the support finger 10 is placed a second part 14 of the control means.

The first part 13 of the control means is for example a “minus” button, and the second part 14 of the control means is for example a “plus” button.

The insertion portions 7 and 8 likewise have openings 23, 24, 25, 26 at the level of the joints of the support fingers 9 and 10, facilitating flexion of these support fingers 9 and 10.

The transmitter 4 is integrated into the base 15 of the support 6. This base 15 is situated near the base of the support fingers 9 and 10.

So, by pressure of the thumb 11 on one of the buttons 13 and 14, at the end of one of the support fingers 9 and 10, the user decreases or increases the value of the operating parameter of the equipment, at the same time retaining normal usage of his hand: flexion of the fingers, prehension, distinct movements of each finger, especially due to division of the insertion portion into two distinct portions 7 and 8.

FIG. 4 a schematically illustrates the device of the invention in a fourth variant embodiment. FIGS. 4 b and 4 c schematically illustrate this fourth variant embodiment of the device of the invention worn on the hand of the user, seen in two different positions of the hand.

This fourth variant embodiment is similar to the first and to the third, but differs from the latter in that the portion termed insertion, in the support, allows insertion of a single support finger 9, in this case the index. This configuration thus lets the hand have all its agility.

Since the transmitter 4 is situated on the base 15 of the support 6, at the level of the base of the index 9, flexion of the index is not hindered.

The other elements are the same as those described hereinabove relative to the preceding variant embodiments, and are consequently not explained further here.

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c schematically illustrate the device of the invention in a fifth variant embodiment. FIGS. 4 d and 4 e schematically illustrate this fifth variant embodiment of the device of the invention worn on the hand of the user, seen in two different positions of the hand.

In this variant embodiment, the support 6 has a partially rigid base 15 comprising the transmitter 4, positioned near the base of the support fingers 9, 10.

The support 6 likewise has a partially rigid return 16, whereof the upper face 17, that is, the face turned outwards, receives the control means 5.

The device 1 likewise comprises a flexible element 20, for example an elastic or foam element.

In the example of FIGS. 4 a and 4 c, the flexible element 20 extends from the lower face 18 of the return 16, that is, the face of the return 16 turned to the hand, to the lower face 19 of the base 15, that is, the face of the base 15 turned to the hand.

In the example of FIG. 4 b, the flexible element 20 extends under the lower face 19 of the base 15, and has one, preferably two, lower projections 21, 22.

The user can thus insert one or more support fingers 9, 10 between the base 15, the return 16, and the flexible element 20. In this variant embodiment, the portion termed insertion 7, presented relative to the preceding variants, is formed by part of the lower face 18 of the return 16, at least part of the lower face 19 of the base 15, and by the flexible element 20.

In the particular case illustrated in FIG. 4 b, the lower projections 21, 22 in the flexible element 20 serve as support for the support fingers 9 and 10.

In this variant likewise, the user retains normal usage of his hand, and can thus practice exercise without disturbing gestures, while pressing on the control parameter of the equipment, only if required.

The entire description hereinabove is given by way of example and is not limited to the invention.

In particular, the invention is not limited to a device 1 in which the portion termed insertion 7 is an insertion portion of one or more support fingers 9, 10 of the user. In fact, this insertion portion 7 could well also be an insertion portion of the palm of the user. In this case, the control means 5 are placed in the hollow of the palm of the user, and can be actuated by at least one of the fingers 11, 12 of the user.

In all cases, the insertion portion is an insertion portion of part of the hand termed support part of the hand of the user, which is one or more fingers or even the palm. The control means are thus placed in all cases along the support part of the hand of the user. They can be actuated by at least one other part of the hand of the user termed the actuator part of the hand of the user, which is one or more fingers or even the palm.

Likewise, the exact form of the different elements of the device presented in this description is not limiting for the invention. This is the case especially of the base 15 receiving the transmitter 4. 

1. A remote control device of electronic apparatus especially for the practice of physical exercise, for controlling at least one operating parameter of said equipment by means of a control signal received by a receiver associated with said equipment, comprising a transmitter for sending said control signal, control means connected to said transmitter for selectively transmitting to said receiver said control signal corresponding to at least one value of said operating parameter of said equipment, and an at least partially flexible support comprising at least one insertion portion of a support part of the hand of the user, characterised in that said control means are integrated into said support along said insertion portion, and in that said transmitter is integrated into said support at the level of this said insertion portion, such that these said control means are placed along said support part of the hand of the user, and can be actuated by another part of the hand of the user termed the actuator part.
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the insertion portion is an insertion portion of at least one support finger of the user, such that the control means are placed along said support finger of the user and that these said control means can be actuated by at least one of the other fingers or the palm of the hand of the user.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the support comprises a base, receiving the transmitter and preferably designed to be positioned near the base of the support fingers of the user.
 4. The device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the base is at least partially rigid.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the support has an at least partially rigid return whereof the upper face receives the control means.
 6. The device as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the insertion portion is formed by at least part of the lower face of the return, at least part of the lower face of the base, and by a flexible element enabling insertion of at least one support finger of the user.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the flexible element is an extensible element extends from the lower face of the return to the lower face of the base.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the flexible element extends under the lower face of the base and has at least one lower projection serving as support to at least one of the support fingers of the user.
 9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the flexible element is made of material of foam or elastic type.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the base is at least partially flexible.
 11. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that at least one first part of the control means is integrated into the support along the insertion portion of a first support finger of the user and in that at least a second part of the control means is integrated into the support along the insertion portion of a second support finger of the user.
 12. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the insertion portions have at least one opening at the level of each articulation of the support fingers, so as to benefit flexion of the or of said support finger(s) once inserted into said insertion portions.
 13. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the insertion portions have an opening at their end, for letting through the end of the support finger(s) of the user.
 14. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the insertion portion is an insertion portion of the palm of the user, such that the control means are placed in the hollow of the palm of the user and that said control means can be actuated by at least one of the fingers of the hand of the user.
 15. Electronic apparatus especially for practising physical exercise, comprising a command centre for controlling at least one operating parameter of said equipment, a receiver for receiving at least one control signal emitted by a transmitter and corresponding to at least one value of said operating parameter of said equipment, characterised in that said transmitter is integrated into a remote control device, as claimed in claim
 1. 16. The equipment as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that the receiver is integrated in or positioned near the command centre.
 17. The equipment as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that it comprises a display device for visual control of receipt of the control signal by the command centre.
 18. The device as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the support has an at least partially rigid return whereof the upper face receives the control means. 